Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ilena Holder is an author of IR romance and Contemporary romance. Her newest work “Color of The Flame” is available from Red Rose Publishing.

What inspired you to write this book?

Quite frankly, I write for the market. Wendi Felter contacted me about a manuscript submission (not this one) and I asked her what did Red Rose specifically want? She told me IR romance was hot and I took that idea and ran with it. I had some success with contemporary romance and thought I would attempt IR. I was of course pleased and thrilled when she accepted my finished manuscript a few months later. I think a writer should always challenge themselves to investigate new avenues.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I keep my style simple and to the point. I do try to put in symbolism even if no one catches it! I try to create believable dialogue. My one problem is with voice. It is difficult for me to make each character sound different. I feel that I am finally understanding the concept of voice after six novels.

What is the name of your latest book? And how did you come up with the title?

I don’t let out much information about current works in progress. Somebody is always out there stealing ideas, believe me! These same people steal baby names also! I will say that it is another IR romance set in Panama City, Spain, Morocco, and Michigan. I am from Michigan and like to promote my home state when possible. It has the word “Sand” in the title.

What is Color of the Flame about?

It is about an African-American woman with a mixed-race son. She is newly widowed and finds love again with a former Mob bodyguard. It is one of those romances where you find love in an unlikely place, like a U-pick Michigan blueberry farm. I tried to put in some different elements so the story wouldn’t have such a cookie cutter style.

What books have most influenced your life most?

You know, when I was a child, I never visited the town library since I was a country kid. I only checked out books from the school library and the selections were very censored and limited. I think book censorship is a real shame in America. I get hooked on certain authors and then read their entire back list. I’ve done this with James Herriott and Dr. Joyce Brothers. Currently I am on a Stephen Benatar kick. I’ve just finished “The Man on the Bridge” and am working on “When I was Otherwise.” I am going to write him a fan letter soon!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Louis L’Amour, James Michener or Robert E. Howard. . Might as well pick some big ones! Also Zetta Brown from LL-Publications in Scotland, she’s a bold woman. .

I am thinking of starting the “Sookie Stackhouse” series by Charlaine Harris. I just finished watching Seasons one and two on DVD this summer.

What are your current projects?

Presently I am finishing up the final editing for “Fade To Grey” a time travel romance set in 1865 Michigan and Chicago. It will be a re-release for a New Zealand publisher. Then I have started an outline for another IR romance which will be set in Michigan. You always have to keep two or three projects on the burner at any time I feel.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Red Rose Publishing as far as selling my current romance, not to forget their great editing, cover artists, and promotion. I also belong to ROMVETS, which is an Internet-based group of female military veterans who write romance. Lastly I belong to EPIC AUTHORS. I encourage any ebook writer to join them. They have world-class reputation, plus fantastic yearly conventions. I also lead a professional writing group in my community.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes! Hopefully it will be a long career. I was first epublished in 2005 and haven’t looked back since.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I would say no. But my first book, yes. I put that one down as a learning experience. Everyone needs to finish that first book and move on from that.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I always loved the creative writing assignments in school. And book reports were my favorite. I wish we had been given skills tests to see where our real interests were. We all need life experience to be good writers.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

First off is completing the initial outline. Then it is all downhill from there. Oh wait! Point of View is difficult!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

You had better create believable dialogue or the editor will call you to task. And grammar and punctuation are still important in this day of texting and chat rooms.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write one page a day and by December 31, you will have an epic length manuscript. Don't bother with agents and huge New York publishing houses—at first. Start out small and work your way up. Epublishing is a fine way to break into the market and get established. Dream up a creative pen name, please!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

I was born and raised in South Carolina. I hold a Master’s Degree in Personnel Services from ClemsonUniversity and am a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators. I’m also a member of Romance Writer’s of America and EPIC authors. My first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest and was published in 2004 by Oak Tree Books. At present I teach high school social studies. In my spare time I enjoy reading, collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, reading, and playing with my grandchildren.

How long does it typically take you to finish a writing project?

Forever! I write a scene and go back the next day and make corrections. When I finish the book I go back and edit it again. Then if it gets accepted for publication I have to do more edits. Until it’s actually in print I’m not through.

The question most readers want to know but never get to ask, do you ever write in your pajamas?

When I’m not teaching, I always write in my pajamas. I seldom get dressed before lunch time. That’s the good part of being an author. Nobody can see how you look.

Where do you write?

I used to have a wonderful little office upstairs, but my desktop computer died, and my husband bought me a laptop. Now I usually sit in my recliner and write.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I adore Elizabeth Peters who also writes as Barbara Michaels. If you haven’t tried her Amelia Peabody series you don’t know what you’re missing. Karen White is one of my new favorites. I just read The House On Tradd Street and loved it. It’s the perfect blend of mystery and the supernatural with a dash of romance besides. I like lots of authors. It’s hard to list them all.

What brings you the most joy?

My grandchildren of course. I also love a winter’s night when the moon is bright, and the tree branches are stark against the moon. It brings me joy to hear the insects chirping on a hot summer’s night. I always feel a surge of pleasure when I first see my husband too. Yes, even after 34 years.

Tell us about your latest book.

I’d be glad to! Here’s a blurb to tell you what it’s about.

Elizabeth Lanehas heard the call of the four most seductive words in the entire English language: what might have been. Would you risk everything you hold dear to find out what might have been? That’s the choice which Elizabeth has to make.

Elizabeth is lucky, for she has it all, money, fame, a satisfying career and a devoted fiancé. Her humble beginnings are all but obscured, but she isn’t the kind of woman Senator Henry Lovinggood wants for his son, Richard. Senator Lovinggood plans to make Richard the President of the United States; he’ll need a woman from a wealthy, powerful family by his side. Ten years ago he broke Richard and Elizabeth up, but this time it won’t be so easy, for Elizabeth wants to know what might have been. This time she’ll fight back, a struggle which ultimately leads to kidnapping and attempted murder and alienates her from the man of her dreams.

This book is a regular contemporary romance, but the sequel is a time travel novel. I’m editing that one now.

Would you share an excerpt with us? Be sure to include a buy link.

Gladly! This excerpt takes place after Richard and Elizabeth meet on the beach following a ten year separation. Richard asks her to go to a carnival with him, and now they’re on their way home. Return Engagement is available at

“Look at the moon, Richard. Have you ever seen anything so big and beautiful? Isn’t it lovely the way it’s reflecting off the water?”

“Yes, but not as lovely as you are.” Richard made a sound of disgust. “That is so trite. You’d think I could do better, but all evening I’ve had trouble saying what I mean.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Maybe it’s because you’re trying too hard, but for the record, I think you’re doing just fine.” She shivered and hunched her shoulders as she hugged herself. “That wind is cold.”

Richard immediately removed his jacket and handed it to her. “Here, put this on.”

“Won’t you be cold?”

“I’m fine. I’ve got on long sleeves and that’s enough.” His eyes twinkled in the moonlight. “In fact, I kind of like the idea of you wearing my clothes. Sounds like high school, huh?”

The chilly wind that blew across the moon-drenched water snatched Elizabeth’s laughter away. “Who cares? Sometimes it’s nice to be as irresponsible as a teenager.”

Richard tugged on her hand. “Let’s sit down and watch the moon awhile.”

Elizabeth willingly sank into the damp sand and cuddled close beside him. My gosh the man had muscles she hadn’t known even existed!

“Richard, about this evening….”

“Elizabeth, about Alex….”

“You go first,” Elizabeth urged. Her shoulders marginally relaxed. She wasn’t looking forward to telling him she couldn’t see him again.

“All right, I will.” Richard turned slightly, an almost angry look on his face. “What the hell do you think you’re doing getting yourself engaged to Alex Crawford? It’s obvious to a blind man that you don’t love him. You’ve been teasing me and flirting with me all evening. You’ve even kissed me.” He stirred up the butterflies in her stomach when he gently caressed her shoulder. “Right now your body language makes me think if I wanted to take this snuggling any further you’d be willing.”

“Wha…” Elizabeth sputtered.

“You don’t strike me as the type of woman who’d pick a man for a night of sex and then go back to her fiancé like nothing had happened. If that’s true I don’t think you love Alex as much as you think you do. The question is: what are you going to do about it?”

Elizabeth moaned and hid her face in her hands. Richard expected this surprise meeting to lead to something more that a hot dog on the beach, a casual meeting between two old…friends. I’ve done enough damage for one evening; I’m going home before I cause any more trouble. I’ve betrayed Alex and given Richard hope for a relationship with me when there is no hope.

She tried to jump up, but Richard grabbed her and held her close. “The wind is cold, and you can think just as well, no better, in my arms.”

Elizabeth gave up the effort to get away from him. There was no way she could argue with those hard, muscled arms. “Yeah, right. Being in your arms clarifies everything! I’m so confused I don’t know if I’m coming or going,” she cried. “I do love Alex. I do! That’s why I agreed to marry him, but with you I feel like a different person.

“I know I shouldn’t have flirted with you and kissed you, but I couldn’t help myself.” Her eyes misted with tears. “I didn’t want to help myself. It’s like it was ten years ago only better because now nobody can accuse me of corrupting a minor. You asked me what I’m going to do, but to tell you the truth, I don’t know. The only thing I’m sure of is that I don’t think I can stand it if you walk away again.”

Elizabeth threw her hands over her burning face again. “What kind of woman am I? I haven’t seen you in ten years, yet here I am leading you on and encouraging you to… What’s wrong with me!”

Richard jerked her hands away from her face and kissed them. “From my point of view things have finally taken a turn for the better.” Satisfaction oozed from his voice.

“You’re willing to admit you don’t want to lose me. It’s taken ten years, but we’re back where we belong-together. Everything I ever felt for you came back the minute you spoke to me.” His voice lowered and became husky and persuasive. “Don’t tell me you didn’t feel it too.”

“I…” Elizabeth fell silent. After all; what could she say?

“Let me help you make up your mind about what to do.” Richard pushed her back into the sand and kissed her, a delicate, brushing of lips that deepened as hearts caught fire.

Elaine, thank you so much for coming. Return Engagement sounds like a wonderful read.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Thank you for the opportunity to appear on your blog, Clare. I'm definitely ready to be Embraced!

Who is Eve Summers?

Eve Summers is the pseudonym under which I write romance books, because my love scenes tend to get.. ahem... steamy. It's easier to hide than to defend my right to produce naughty fiction. You know, when people read my science fiction stories, they don't automatically assume I'm from another planet, but as soon as my friends read "Dance Like Everyone Is Watching", they phone to ask about that game with the alphabet and have I ever played it, LOL.

Well, to make sure I got the setting spot on, I started by going on a real-life ocean cruise with the whole family. True story. But I know what you're asking. And no, I unfortunately never had the chance to play the alphabet game, although I did ask my husband for help when I was writing the Standing Position scene and Google just wouldn't give me the details I was after....

Indeed, "Safe Sex Incorporated" is set in a world in which love is a banned emotion, while "The Seventh Taboo" investigates the journey to find a soul mate in a world of clones. Although the sales have been a trifle disappointing, I'm definitely keen to blend the genre of speculative fiction and romance in the future.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Blurb:Ambrose, an Elizabethan man, his wife Josephine, and their young daughter are called to an important mission in the far future, but something goes terribly wrong. Ambrose must solve a mystery or his family will be lost to him forever. He faces a deadly enemy. The trail leads him back into the past several centuries where Josephine has interfered; changing the direction of an important battle, and therefore Elizabethan England disappears off the map of history. He walks around his home world, unable to reverse things. Could this cause Romeo to leave Juliet forever?

An Excerpt

“You still love your husband,” Richard said.
“With all of my heart, I do.” Her heart and mind swelled with intense emotion for Ambrose.
Ambrose’s heart became pinched with the same feeling. “My beloved.”
“But you say he is no longer among us.”
“He does not reside here on this earth in this century.”
Richard blinked in confusion. “My lady?”
She sighed. “I’m a seer.”
“Pardon me?”

“Richard, you will be betrayed. At Bosworth. Do not trust Lord Stanley. When Henry Tudor engages you in battle, those you believed to be your friends will be your downfall. I know you’re grieving the loss of your family, and you will leave the result of the battle for God to decide, but you will be reckless, and you will be killed.”
Richard gaped at her.
A new wave of cold fear washed over Josephine. To speak of a king’s death was treason and meant death.
She rushed out her next words. “I don’t want you to die. I believe you’re a good man who could do so much for your country. I’ll tell you all that God has ordained for me to know.”
“You…” Richard’s voice shook. “You’re a seer? You know these things to be true?”
“I do.”

He studied her face. “You tell me the truth, and you’re not crazy. There is no madness in your eyes. And your faith, Josephine?”
She reached into a small silk bag, which hung from her wrist and pulled out a crystal rosary. She squeezed the crucifix in her hand. “I am loyal to the Pope.”
Richard smiled and nodded. Nauseous, Ambrose swallowed his dread.

“But I do.” As a human being. “You’re innocent. I know it,” she said to Richard.

“Then prove it,” he responded.

I have no bloody choice but to make him believe it’s so. I’ll find a way to escape before the wedding ceremony….her thoughts whirled.

“Yes, I’ll marry you.” When pigs fly. Richard squeezed her.

"Shut the bloody thing off,” Ambrose said and spun around.

Belinda pointed her finger to the screen, and it became smoky gray. Ambrose glanced down. Small changes occurred in his Elizabethan attire. His doublet grew two inches longer and became a shade darker. His hose became less poofy, and his shoes less, well, fashionable in his opinion, with no heel at all, and overall they were more conservative, but oddly, far richer in materials. He now wore silk and velvet, though as a commoner he would not have been allowed to walk around Elizabethan England in such, and this confused him.

“My clothes! She succeeded…” he dropped off, the breath leaving his body.Elizabethan England was gone. “Yes, the bubble protects time-traveling humans and animals, but clothes and objects change according to the new time-line.”

Anger for his wife sizzled in his heart.

--End Excerpt

Thanks, so much, Clare. It’s been a pleasure. Have a great week! -Laura

About the Author

Laura lives in Colorado and has various stories out with different publishers. They range from short stories to full-length novels. Most are romance. Laura likes to write historical, some sci-fi, and paranormal, especially time travel fiction.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Thanks so much for having me here today! I’m very excited to be spending time with you and your readers. It’s always nice to visit other author’s homes. It’s a very lovely place you have here!

Thank You!We try to be homey here at Scribal Love.

I guess I better start the introductions? My name is Donica Covey and I write romantic suspense, paranormal romantic suspense, paranormal romantic comedy, fantasy romance and paranormal historical romance. I’ve been published for the last 6 years. It has always been my dream to be a published author and now that dream is realized I can say it was worth every single moment of the uncertainty, gut clenching anxiety and out of my head euphoria.

When you first started writing, did you write purely for pleasure or with the goal of publication?

Both actually. While I always knew from the time I was in third grade I’d one day be an award winning, bestselling author, I write for my own purpose—much like I breathe. I write because if I didn’t the voices in my head would probably have me locked up by now! (LOL)

How do you maintain your creativity?

It’s not always easy. Life is such an inconsistent curve ball throwing vexation that concentration on work is hard sometimes. I have to just flip on the tunes and try to tune out everything else. Thankfully I’ve got a wonderful CP who is great at kicking my can when I get too distracted—Thanks Becka!

Do you believe a writer is born with talent or can learn to write a great novel regardless of inborn talent?

You must have talent. I mean you can certainly learn the basics but if you are going to write there has to be some talent there to begin with. I’d love to be an artist and I could spend a fortune taking classes but without the ability to do more than draw stick figures, it’s a waste of time.

Tell us a smidgen about your latest novel and where we can buy it.

My next release is Hunting Mickey, coming in October from Champagne Books. Hunting Mickey is the third book in my Gateway Guardians series and focuses on DEA agent Mickey Flannery and his wife Terese. Here is the blurb and cover for this novel:

When all hell breaks loose, you know the honeymoons over--sometimes life’s a bitch…

Agent Mickey Flannery is finally going to take his wife Terese on the honeymoon they missed five years ago. The plans are made, the plane is landed and they arrive to the news they’ve been chosen for an upgraded holiday—a week on a private island all amenities included.

The private beach soon turns into paradise lost when they learn their gracious host is none other than Rafael Lesandro Rivera, Ramiro’s son, and he’s out for blood.

Can Mickey keep Terese and himself alive long enough to find a way of escaping the man who them join his hunting party—as the prey?

Please tell us what you have planned next?

Death Rides a Pale Harley is the first book in a four book series called The Four Horsemen. Currently I’m working on the next book Conquest Triumphs on a White Harley.

There’s Ain’t Nothin’ Like Succubus Lovin’ that came out from Phaze Books (http://phaze.com) in April—it’s is an erotic paranormal romance short story. The blurb can tell more about it and you can read the excerpt at

Finding a date was never more hellish. When Jordan Hudson borrowed his friend's A Dummy's Guide to Demon Summoning and called up a succubus, he found that dating and making love to a minion of Hell proves to be more than a one night stand.

I also have a paranormal romance story with vampires, ‘His Girl” that is in Just Another Paranormal Monday Halloween Anthology coming September 27th from Mojocastle Press (www.mojocastle.com) It starts in the 70s and ends up in the 21st century.

Blurb of His Girl:

My Girl was more than just a song for Evan McPhail and Aimee Saunders; it was the music of their love and passion for each other. For nothing could tear them apart, not even death.

Then Aimee vanished.

She returns to Evan thirty years later, no longer human. To the tempo of their passion, they prove that doesn't matter.

Working on cleaning up the first draft to A Familiar Tangle With Hell, sequel to Being Familiar With a Witch (this won third place in novella division of The Prism Awards 2010). Then need to start writing the third and last novella in the Beast Magic trilogy, with werewolves and Male/Female. The second one, an erotic Male/Male paranormal romance with wereleopards, Dark Leopard Magic, is now with Phaze Books and I am waiting on edits from my editor. Then I plan to work on a trilogy with dragon shifters as my heroes and heroines.

How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?

Paranormal, science fiction and fantasy—mainly romance. Have done a historical romance short story that was published some years ago.

What other genre would you like to write in?

Romantic suspense—but not sure I can give the mystery part justice.

What motivated you to start writing?

I wanted to write stories like I read, to keep me entertained.

What kind of research do you do?

Online and in books, finding out myths, especially obscure one, plus anything else I run into I know nothing about. Like names of people in medieval times.

Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

So many authors that I read—from Shirley Jackson to Ray Bradbury to Anne McCaffeey to current authors like Jim Butcher and Karen Marie Moning.

Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?

I guess it would be Being Familiar With a Witch. I got attached to both the demon Familiar hero, Charun and Tina Epson, his Witch.

Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I like to sew and wear costumes, mainly at SF conventions. I like to act (am a pro actress, too) bake, read, exercise, horseback ride (though haven’t done this in a long while), collect anything on dragons and carousel horses, and been to college twice—one in the 70s and a few years ago. I am happily married to my husband since 1977 and we have one adult son. I am owned by two cats, both females, Bast and Ripley. I also like to do paranormal investigating.

Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Keep on writing. Do it everyday. And join a local writer’s critique group.

Tell us your website, MySpace, Blog, any urls so the readers can find out more about you.